West Craven grad sees action in East-West game

By Adam Thompson, Sun Journal Staff

Published: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 09:00 PM.

“I can move the chains, I can bring positive energy in the locker room and on the field, I can be very coachable and I can catch the ball consistently,” Highsmith said. “Any spot I am in, I can thrive in.”

Highsmith, a four-year player at UNC, caught 54 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns this season.

He had 166 career receptions — third all-time among UNC wide receivers — for 2,048 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Erik Highsmith took his first step toward fulfilling his dream of playing in the National Football League.

Highsmith, a former University of North Carolina West Craven grad, caught a pass for seven yards in Saturday’s East-West Shrine Bowl game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Shrine Bowl, in its 88th year, is a college football all-star game for some of the nation’s best players.

Highsmith, playing for the East squad, snagged his only reception on a slant pattern from Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein, from KansasState, with less than four minutes remaining. He caught another pass, but it was called off because of a teammate getting penalized for illegally being downfield.

Highsmith also made a key block on a touchdown run by his East teammate and Army quarterback Trent Steelman.

The East All-Stars lost to the West All-Stars, 28-13.

“I always want to go up against the top players in the nation, and against some of the top cornerbacks and defensive backs,” Highsmith said. “I wanted to run good routes, catch the ball and block downfield. I wanted to show the scouts what I do best.”

The 6-foot-3 Highsmith spent the week practicing in front of NFL scouts, coaches and general managers.

“There were intense practices,” Highsmith said. “There were one-on-one drills and 7-on-7s. I got to showcase that in front of the scouts.

“I just hope they saw I can play the ball in the air, that I can catch the ball consistently, and make plays when I get the opportunity.”

More than 60 NFL Hall of Famers, and more than 50 current NFL players, have competed in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Highsmith’s East squad was coached by Jerry Glanville, a former coach of the NFL’s Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons.

Highsmith plans to continue to training in Florida in preparation for combines and North Carolina’s Pro Timing Day in March.

Highsmith is currently projected as the 38th best wide receiver prospect, according to CBSsports.com.

The NFL Draft runs from Apr. 25-27.

“I can move the chains, I can bring positive energy in the locker room and on the field, I can be very coachable and I can catch the ball consistently,” Highsmith said. “Any spot I am in, I can thrive in.”

Highsmith, a four-year player at UNC, caught 54 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns this season.

He had 166 career receptions — third all-time among UNC wide receivers — for 2,048 yards and 15 touchdowns.